A Forward-Thinking Retreat

Leaders of NYU Shanghai Student Government, along with class representatives and other student committee members, spent last weekend team building over talks and workshops on diversity, organization branding and events marketing in Shanghai’s Qingpu district.

Arranged by the Student Involvement Team and the Youth League, the retreat sought to build partnerships between student-led organizations in anticipation of a school year’s worth of event planning.

“Strengthening personal relationships in a non-professional environment can be truly rewarding,” said Branden Taylor, vice president of Student Government, and captain of NYU Shanghai’s Men’s Basketball Team. “We came together to understand the committee’s expectations of Student Government juxtaposed to what the leaders have in mind.”

In a trust-building activity, for instance, students listened to statements read aloud such as: “I have experienced identity struggles,” and were asked to respond by stepping in and out of a circle to indicate whether they could relate. After a few revelatory rounds, the group admitted that they felt braver and more open towards one another.

“The retreat was an incredible opportunity to establish a common leadership philosophy early on while putting a face to each position within the organization,” said Student Government President James Bromley ‘18.

He highlighted some of Student Government’s goals this year, including a culturally immersive study-away program in Beijing,  more work opportunities for international students in China,  building school-spirit through events and opening an on-campus Chinese speaking corner.

by Chen Mengzhu ‘18